"Take my yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." (Matthew 11:29)

Thursday, October 20, 2011

The Law of Distraction, Part 1

A few years back, I had heard of the 'Law of Attraction' while networking for my small business. It made so much sense to me back then. I readily believed in the power of forming and holding a strong, clear vision of my goals. "People don't plan to fail, they fail to plan." Of course! The real power came from the accompanying positive, no, exhilerating, emotions. You had to see it plainly and jump-up-and-down feel it as if it were already so.

See what? Feel what? That's where I slumped. While I believed in the 'Law of Attraction', I wanted to incorporate my Christian beliefs into them. I ended up getting in my own way of making these 'Laws' work for me. When I tried to form a vision, material things would seem so vain and the vision would grow dim.

I tried making spiritual goals, yet there wasn't something I could visualize for them. I tried starting out with simple goals: be a writer, publish a book, become a real estate investor, be a loving father and husband, etc. But, the process didn't seem to fit me even though I thought it simply must happen for anyone. It's like the law of gravity: it's just there. Why not use it to your advantage?

I even tried setting a goal that I would become a goal-oriented person. Yet, that was even more like wishful thinking. Rather, God wanted to show me who was really in charge. He did. What an awful time I spent struggling; pretending things would get better; hoping for the break-through that would never come through; and breaking into uncontrollable sobs at my desk in the middle of the work day. I lost hope and despaired.

Years later, in the present, I realize the 'Law of Attraction' was a 'Law of Distraction' for me. In the end, what did I really love? What had become the essence of my life? What was really important to me? Ah! To return to my true love: Jesus Christ. Instead, I had repeated the deadly pattern over and over: I'm healed! Thinking I'm healed, 'now' was the time to fit the normal mold or even the successful mold. But I looked and saw the mold wasn't the one made by my Creator. It was fashioned from the opinions and praises of men. Not only was I distracted, I was deceived, with myself largely to blame.

The journey I am on, which has only recently begun, has been an awakening one, and a true blessing. My heart knows the way Home now, and that way is not man's way. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9)

I have seen my attempts to embrace this so-called 'Law of Attraction' to 'get' things out of life crumble. After all, as Max Lucado so clearly reminded me one weekend, it's not about me. Selfishness brought about discipline from my heavenly Father, and that was tough. It was never about me, yet I wanted it to be so bad. Once I embrace that idea, however, that it isn't about me, in my heart, joy abounds. I was blind but now I see! How marvelous are nature's brilliant colors, the shifting lights of a majestic sunrise, beautiful souls in the image of God!

For me, there is no stronger attraction than the grace, mercy, and love of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who else has the words of life? Anything less is a potential distraction. It's law, simple, like gravity. Yet, when He fills my cup, my cup overflows. Indeed, the key to understanding my history is to understand His Story in it.

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About Me

I believe God wants all people to be saved and come to the full knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:4). I believe God rewards those who diligently seek Him (Heb 11:6). For me, that meant questioning why I believed what I did. I'd like to share some of the various lessons I've learned in my life. I'm confident that He works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom 8:28). I believe it is our responsibility to seek to know Him on His terms, because He wants us to know Him deeply. I believe that is the purpose for which He has called us to be Christians. Thank you for reading, feel free to comment, and may God bless you!